Kelly Daugherty sees more than the power of Christian church unity on display when the Community Good Friday service is held annually at The Commons in downtown Columbus.
“What I hear especially from pastors of smaller churches especially is that it can be very difficult to put on Good Friday services when only a small number of people can be there,” said Daugherty, executive director of the Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches. “So, I partly look at this as a way to combine our resources among the churches and come together as the church (as a whole) with a big C to have a meaningful service for everyone.”
This year’s gathering, presented by the Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches, will be at noon Friday. Last year’s somber, nondenominational service, mark by candles extinguished one by one as readings drew closer to accounts of Jesus’ death, drew about 215 people. Generally, more than two dozen churches or more are represented.
Good Friday is considered the most somber day for Christians since it marks Jesus’ death to atone for the sins of mankind. It makes way for Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and their own eventual eternal life.
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The local service frequently has been marked by symbolism. Examples include a nail that worshipers took home with them a few years ago to reflect additionally on Jesus’ suffering for them and an extinguished candle at the close of several services through the years to symbolize Jesus’ death.
As in years past, Jesus’ suffering and death will be spotlighted in what Christians call the Stations of the Cross at a service lasting about 45 minutes.
This year, 14 readings will highlight Christ’s passion, according to Daugherty. Musicians Dale Sechrest and Ed Bruenjes will provide worship music in the form of both hymns and contemporary tunes. Both are well-known to Good Friday attendees through the years, and both were part of of the 2018 service.
“It will obviously be very subdued to fit the occasion,” Daugherty said.
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What: Community Good Friday Service presented by the Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches. Open to all.
When: Noon to about 12:45 p.m. Friday.
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Information: 812-372-9421.
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